Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down the food we eat into usable components. Our bodies use food similarly as a car engine uses gas and this gives us the energy needed to live. When we put food into our mouths digestion has already started because digestion means breaking food down into smaller molecules!

Your body depends on the breakdown of foods to get the nutrients it needs for healthy cells. If food sits too long in the stomach it can become toxic, recalculate throughout the body and cause illness. Follow these steps to improve digestion so that your entire body will function at optimal performance.

Digestion affects all facets of health. Your body depends on the breakdown of foods to get the nutrients it needs for healthy cells. If food sits too long in the stomach it can become toxic, recalculate throughout the body and cause illness. Follow these steps to improve digestion so that your entire body will function at optimal performance.

1. Try eating your meals with chopsticks. Although this may seem frustrating at first, in time you will adjust and learn how to maneuver food with ease and will consume meals slowly and take smaller bites. Eating with chopsticks controls your eating pace and bites size, and forces you to eat with more attention.

3. Take digestive enzymes with every meal to improve your digestive health. Digestive enzymes improve your nutrient extraction from the foods you consume and aid in the prevention of bloating, gas and digestive distress.

4. Choose fresh, organic foods instead of canned or boxed foods that contain harsh preservatives and very little nutrients or vitamins. Combine cooked and raw foods, such as a fresh salad and steamed carrots, to incorporate necessary and vital enzymes for proper digestion.

5. Drink lots of water. Water helps remove toxins from the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation which slows down digestion.

6. Relax for at least 30 minutes after eating meals. Your digestive organs need a large portion of your total blood volume to digest food. It cannot use that blood if you are active after a meal because the blood goes instead to your muscles.

7. Take vitamin C. These supplements act as antihistamines and ease inflammation in the digestive tract. Vitamin C also helps the gastrointestinal tract to rid itself of toxins produced during food digestion.

Natural Remedies: – Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to promote gentle food breakdown and support the digestive system. Filipendula ulmaria is a soothing digestive remedy which helps to protect the digestive tract and reduce excess stomach acid.